Audi Planning Sporty Q2, Q4, and Q6 Crossovers

Future additions to Audi’s Q range will definitely include a Q2, positioned below the Q3 and related to the next-generation A1. There will also be a Q4, based on the Q3 with its transversally mounted engine, and a Q6, which is derived from the Q5 and its modular-longitudinal platform. A Q8, based on the next-generation Q7, is possible but its future has yet to be decided. Audi’s even-numbered Q models will feature a sleeker, lower roofline than the odd-numbered Q models they are based on—in accordance with the system established by BMW’s X6, but in curious contradiction to Audi’s own car nomenclature, which sees coupes receive odd-numbered designations such as the A5 and the A7.

In the fight for the number-one spot among luxury automakers, Audi is betting on its Q line of crossovers. At a financial press conference on March 12, Audi CEO Rupert Stadler explicitly noted that “global demand for SUVs is growing strongly.” He expects that by 2020, every third Audi sold would be an SUV; currently, one in four vehicles alls into that category. Stadler then annouced that the company would “create a broad range of offerings: more sportiness, more variety, more profile,” but consuming less fuel.
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GermanNut - 3/19/2013 3:36:17 PM

-1 Boost

Indeed. Trying to use a new platform for each new BMW raises costs and production time. It's called economies of sale, which Audi has the advantage of while BMW does not.

gkearns56 - 3/20/2013 2:14:17 PM

-1 Boost

Still love my new Audi A6

AlleVier - 3/20/2013 3:50:52 PM

-1 Boost

Until BMW comes around to a broader platform-sharing strategy (and they will as a matter of survival), some BMW faithful will insist that this is an important distinction even if they aren't certain as to why. We could make the case that an integrated design and engineering approach produces a superior product to a modular one in that it requires fewer compromises, but I'm not sure that difference is meaningful for passenger cars.

AlleVier - 3/20/2013 3:51:30 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry, this was meant as a reply to GNut.